Who we are

Youth CAN! Collaborative seeks to work in partnership with youth and communities to design culturally congruent, health promoting initiatives that empower young people, address inequity and improve wellbeing.

How we work

In building health promoting initiatives, we seek to bridge participatory action approaches with prevention science research. Our work is guided by critical race and critical feminist theories, including French (et. al 2020)’s framework of radical healing, drawing on a collective approach, critical consciousness, strength and resistance, and clear self-knowledge and authenticity of identities. With an understanding that those with lived experience hold key expertise in health, our work is conducted in partnership with youth and community-based agencies, with the ultimate goal to build authentic knowledge, alleviate stress, and encourage collective action (Ginwright and James, 2002).